KL Rahul, one of the most sought-after players in the Indian Premier League, has reportedly turned down the captaincy offer from Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of IPL 2025. Despite being signed by the franchise for a whopping ₹14 crore in the mega auction, the star batter has chosen to focus solely on his role as a player rather than leading the team.
This unexpected decision has now led DC to look elsewhere for leadership, with Axar Patel emerging as the likely captain for the upcoming season.
Why Did KL Rahul Refuse the Captaincy?
KL Rahul has vast experience as a leader in the IPL, having captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in previous seasons. Many expected him to take on the captaincy at DC, especially given his seniority and leadership experience. However, according to reports, Rahul declined the offer, stating that he wants to focus on contributing purely as a player in IPL 2025.
This decision comes at a time when Rahul has been dealing with injuries and form concerns, which may have influenced his choice. Having missed key matches in recent years, he may be looking to relieve himself of additional pressure and focus solely on his batting and fitness.
There’s also speculation that Rahul wants to rebuild his IPL career, especially after being released by LSG despite being their top run-scorer in IPL 2024. Choosing to play without the burden of captaincy could allow him to play more freely and regain his best form.
Axar Patel Set to Lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025
With Rahul stepping away from the leadership role, Delhi Capitals have now turned to Axar Patel as their new captain. The all-rounder has been with DC since 2019 and has been one of their most consistent performers with both bat and ball.
Axar even got a taste of captaincy in IPL 2024 when he led DC in a match against RCB in Rishabh Pant’s absence. His calm demeanor, experience, and all-round capabilities make him a strong candidate to take over the captaincy.
A source close to the franchise confirmed the decision, stating,
“Yes, Axar Patel is likely to be named as Delhi Capitals skipper for IPL 2025. The franchise had initially offered the role to KL Rahul, but he prefers to contribute as a player.”
Axar’s leadership will be crucial for DC as they look to bounce back from an inconsistent 2024 season. He will have the added responsibility of leading a squad that includes star players like Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, and Kuldeep Yadav.
What’s Next for KL Rahul and Delhi Capitals?
While KL Rahul’s decision may have surprised many, it could work in his favor. Without the burden of captaincy, he can focus on anchoring the batting lineup and playing the role of a senior statesman in the team.
For Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel’s appointment as captain signals a new era, where they back a player who has been a consistent presence in the squad for years. With IPL 2025 set to kick off on March 22, all eyes will be on how this new leadership move impacts DC’s performance.
Will Axar Patel thrive as Delhi Capitals captain, or will the franchise regret not convincing KL Rahul to take up the role? Only time will tell.
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